Group Adventure: Gather Your Friends For a Weekend at Wadjemup

Winter itineraries to connect with your people on Wadjemup.

5 min read

Hiking with friends

As the island takes on a new rhythm and the crowds dwindle, seize the opportunity to create lasting memories with your friends on Wadjemup in winter.

As the cold settles in, it can take a little extra motivation to ignore the urge to hibernate, but when the island flourishes with a new season, new opportunities arise to connect with your people— whether its those who would answer your call for an early morning winter hike, the ones who chase the best swell of the season, paddling out alongside you, or those who would happily hibernate in shared company.

These three itineraries are designed for your group’s winter experience on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

The ocean enthusiasts weekend

Swell that rivals the southwest of Australia, sunken ships and marine gardens that wrap you in underwater wonder, and local bites that warm you to the core. This itinerary is for the group who usually swags under the stars at Conto’s, Margaret River or who ventures north to dive Muiron Islands, Exmouth. Wadjemup holds your next ocean adventure.

Saturday

Morning

Arrival: As any group of water enthusiasts will know, the best weather for ocean-based sports is in the morning. So, we recommend catching that first ferry on Saturday, so you can arrive as early as possible. Once you’ve landed, it’s time to head for the water.

Scuba diving: A dive will fully immerse you in the thriving underwater world of Wadjemup. Arrange your boat hire prior to arrival from Boating West and prepare for an exhilarating trip out to two of the sunken historic ships, the Macedon and the Denton Holme, these lay close enough together for one dive. Find their coordinates here.

Afternoon

Lunch: By the time you’ve all warmed up from a hot shower and left the scuba gear out in the winter sun, it’ll be time for a late lunch. And after that exertion, Frankie’s on Rotto, with its generous servings of pasta and handmade sourdough pizzas, will leave even the hungriest satisfied.

A coastal walk: Take in the expanse of the Indian Ocean from the land, following the first section of the Wardan Nara Bidi (a Wadjemup Bidi trail) up to Parker Point. At the top of the steps, you can enjoy a cliff-side view of this this marine sanctuary zone from above—keep an eye out to sea for a glimpse of migrating humpback whales.

Evening

Dinner: Wander down to the main settlement for a meal and drinks at Hotel Rottnest. Right on the beachfront, this restaurant has clear views of Thomson Bay and serves hearty pub classics, the perfect complement to some hearty conversation..

Parker Point

Diving

Hotel Rottnest

Sunday

Morning

Surfing: It’s another early start for the other wintery ocean activity: surfing. The cooler months bring light conditions and big, rolling swells, with the surf paralleling the waves of Margaret River. Once you’ve packed up your accommodation, ready for check-out, it’s time to hit the waves. The ideal time to head out is right after sunrise, about 7 or 8 am, with Strickland Bay being the spot for experienced surfers while softer waves can be found at Mary Cove or Chicken Reef.

Afternoon

Lunch: There’ll be time to visit a spot in the main settlement for lunch before catching the ferry. The Lane Café is a cosy hole-in-the-wall spot, with specialist barista-made coffee and the beloved ‘Cray Dog’: this mouthwatering creation features crayfish marinated in garlic and olive oil, laden with chipotle mayo, all nestled in a soft bun. It’s the perfect way to savour the flavours of the island before bidding farewell.

Surfing Mary Cove, Rottnest Island

Lunch at The Lane Cafe

The nature explorers weekend

The unique flora and fauna of Wadjemup have often gone overlooked in the past, and in the cooler months, the natural landscapes are humming with life. For a group of outdoor enthusiasts, there are many ways to immerse yourself in this extraordinary environment and forge a deeper connection.

Saturday

Morning

Arrival: Take one of the early ferries over to the island, then rug up and pack for your hike.

Afternoon

Takeaway lunch: To stay fresh and fuelled, avoid a heavy lunch and grab some fresh pastries and sandwiches from Rottnest Bakery to take with you on the trail —there’ll be something for everyone in your group.

Hike: With the afternoon stretching out in front of you, the longest guided hike, circumnavigating the island, is The Hike Collective’s Lakes and Bays tour. The hike traverses 12 km of the Wadjemup Bidi (a section of the island’s 45 km hiking trail), spending three and a half hours winding along coastal headlands and past opaque salt lakes. In winter, this journey is lush and thriving with rare local wildlife, from impressive ospreys by the sea, king skinks and bobtails in the scrub, and robins and honeyeaters in the woods.

Evening

Dinner: A leisurely dinner at Isola Bar E Cibo adds some indulgence to your weekend, while the wild natural world is still on display through floor-to-ceiling windows. The high-end Italian cuisine is the sort to relish, with dishes like wood-grilled Exmouth prawns and rigatoni with pork sausage ragu. Don’t go past the homemade focaccia.

Refueling mid-hike

Dinner at Isola Bar E Cibo

Sunday

Morning

Early morning swim: Cold water swimming is an adventure best shared between thrill-seeking friends, so challenge each other to an early morning dip at Pinky Beach. This spot is sheltered from the harsher weather and close to the settlement—for a short run back to a warm shower.

Cycling: This is your chance to explore the corners of the island missed on your slower journey. An energetic cycle will warm you up and take you past some stunning natural scenery on a bike route of your choosing.

Afternoon

Lunch: Frankie’s on Rotto is right on Thomson Bay and close to the ferry. And, with a menu designed by Head Chef, Sarah Lewis, you are sure to fill your cup with a lasting memory of fresh, local food inspired by your surroundings.

Cycling on Rottnest Island

Lunch at Frankie's on Rotto

The cosy hibernators weekend

The flickering warmth of a fire pit, red wine and views of wild weather... Wadjemup can offer the peaceful decompression and cosy hibernation every city-dweller longs for in winter.

Saturday

Morning

Arrival: This weekend is about slowing the pace and finding quiet from mainland stress, so choose whichever morning ferry departure suits you— there’s no need to hurry. Take your time when you disembark. Perhaps some of you will go for a wander, while others sip tea at a cafe and feel the clean salt-scented air.

Afternoon

Lunch: Geordie’s Cafe is outside of the main settlement, perfectly situated for an after-lunch beachside stroll at Geordie Bay. The classic cafe food is a wholesome, filling way to start the weekend, with towering burgers, fish and chips, and lemon pepper calamari.

Train tour: In keeping with the cosy theme, stay sheltered from the cold inside the Captain Hussey historic train, travelling from the settlement out to the Oliver Hill gun and tunnel experience. The wind-beaten shrub heath and white topped ocean of the south side of the island can be seen on this vintage train’s journey.

Wadjemup Lighthouse: Catch the bus to the lighthouse, then ascend the 155 spiralling steps on a guided tour to the top. 38 metres up, the island’s map is laid out below you, and across the stretch of Indian Ocean, you can even spot the silhouette of Perth city on a clear day.

Evening

Dinner and drinks: Spend your evening at Lontara for some share-style Southeast Asian dishes like sambal tiger prawns and spiced coconut curry. Then wander next door for drinks at Bayside Bar, in winter they light firepits, so you can huddle around and watch the waves of Thomson Bay.

Captain Hussey historic train tour

Oliver Hill

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Drinks at Bayside Bar

Sunday

Morning

Wadjemup Museum: As you step into the cool, quiet of this museum, the past feels close and tangible. Once the Old Mill and Hay Store, the Wadjemup Museum holds numerous artefacts and stories from its complex history. Give these stories the time they deserve and gain an understanding of what came before you.

Afternoon

Lunch: Before you leave, gather for lunch at Hotel Rottnest. The sort of place you can while away some of the afternoon gazing at the Thomson Bay views and snacking on lobster rolls and cauliflower tacos.